12/23/2008: "Happy Birthday to Me"

Today is a happy day. Today is my birthday, I turned 39 years old. I was able to book tickets to Dallas to see my baby sister graduate with a Master's degree in nursing and to visit my dad. Also, my honey brought me beautiful flowers and hot cocoa to work; everyone I know practically has called or emailed me to wish me a happy birthday, not to mention the big screen HDTV Aaron was able to buy me with a generous Christmas/birthday check from my dad. I have been wanting one for YEARS but we waited and waited and Aaron was able to pounce and negotiate an unbelievable good price for the perfect TV, probably 1/2 what it cost even 6 months ago.

But today is also a sad day. Today Aaron's ex-wife, the mother of his young son, passed away. It all happened relatively quickly. She was fine, and then she wasn't, and then she died...in the space of a couple months.

They lived on the other side of the country, and soon (we don't know how soon, but soon...) his son will come to live with us for good. Those of you who know me, or have been reading this blog for awhile, know that kids were never really apart of my "Master Plan". I'm struggling right now with how this is all going to work out. I know that it will work out, I just can't *see* it yet.

We are reorganizing the house so I have a small room to go to that I can paint in. That has made a huge difference to my peace of mind. I hope that I will do right by this child, he is a good kid who is going through a terrible, tragic situation. One thing he has going for him is his father, who loves him with all his heart and soul. I know that I will grow to love him just as much.

Replies: 7 Comments

on Tuesday, December 23rd, KT said

Elise -- seems your comment page has been hijacked. If you find this comment amongst the spam...I believe that everything in life happens for a reason. We just do not know at the time what the reason is. You might not know until years from now why this turn of events came to be, but when you finally do, you will probably find that it happened to make you a better, happier, more fulfilled person. Forks in the road aways take us to places we do not expect, but they almost always lead us down a better path.

on Wednesday, December 24th, Joan said

On my, what shocking and sorrowful news. My prayers go out to you all. As a step mother, Elise, I feel I have particular insight for you. I would certainly be willing to share with you. No need to re-invent the evil step mother, I mean wheel. As you said, children weren't part of your plan, but you and your life have been quite an adventure, and I believe you will be starting on your most exciting, fulfilling yet challenging one yet. Merry Christmas to you, Aaron and your new family.

on Wednesday, December 24th, greg said

Happy Birthday Elise and congrats upon the completion on another successful solar revolution!

Wow (again, as I am fond of saying), but 2006 was quite the year, I remember seeing your painting and style flourish. I hope 2009 is great for you and yours. Surely your heart is open and welcoming to more of life's blessings!

Despite my situation I'd like to buy a painting - so email me and we can dialoge later this week!

Merry Christmas!!

xoxoGreg

on Friday, December 26th, marja-leena said

Belated birthday and Christmas greetings, Elise! I'm sorry to hear about such tragedy so close to you. You are facing new challenges but I'm sure you will meet them with flying colours, and will be rewarded with ever more love in your life! Happy Stephen's Day!

on Saturday, December 27th, dad said

can't wait to see you in a few weeks took the kids with Kelly to a show yesterday, the day after Christmass, we had to run the airconditioner as we were overdress it was 83 a new record for us as 81 was the old one last Friday I couldn't put the top down on the Z-3 as I was afread of a sunburn true

on Saturday, December 27th, Kasia said

First od all - HAPPY bIRTDAY! Secondly - don't worry about the new family addition. It is going to be just fine! I KNOW it. I am keeping my fingers crossed.
Btw - how old is the boy?

on Monday, December 29th, Elise said

Thanks everyone for all the support. I'm totally freaking out, but I know that things will work out for the best, they always seem to anyway.